About this project

$61,440

pledged of $53,470 goal

375

backers

Set against the backdrop of competitive classic video gaming, MAN VS SNAKE is a funny and compelling tale that tells the story of Nibbler, the first billion-point video game and Timothy McVey, the first person in history to reach this remarkable milestone.

Five years in the making, we wrapped principal photography this summer and are currently in post-production, preparing the cut for festival submission in the fall. We're turning to Kickstarter to help raise the necessary finishing funds to complete the film.

In 1984, 16 year-old Timothy McVey (not to be confused with Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City Bomber) walked into the legendary Twin Galaxies arcade in Ottumwa Iowa; 44 ½ hours later he had recorded the highest score in video game history – on a single quarter. For 25 years, Tim's record stood as the highest verified video game score of the "Golden Age" of video games, or so he thought....

When a rumor surface of a higher score having been set in Italy, Tim embarks on a quest to reclaim his title from the Enrico Zanetti, an Italian kickboxing champion who may or may not be the reigning Nibbler world record holder.

1984

Soon after, Tim is challenged to a Nibbler showdown by Dwayne Richard, a renowned Canadian video game champion. The stakes rise dramatically as each vows to be the first to reach "the billion" and set a new Nibbler world record. But it won't be easy. With 40+ hours of grueling, non-stop play ahead of them, the high score contest will be a test of wills to see who can hold out the longest. Both players will battle fatigue, aching limbs and swollen hands in a brutal competition they refer to grimly as “death in slow motion.” Pushed to his limit, Tim must fight to overcome his own demons (and the trials of middle age), or risk losing his legacy forever.

MAN VS SNAKE is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the enduring subculture of classic video gaming, where sometimes a game "is not just a game."

Today

The film includes intimate interviews with the players, back-breaking days-long marathon attempts and unique archival footage from the 1980’s. Locations range from small town Iowa to Los Angeles, New Jersey, Denver, Chicago, Washington, Miami, Canada, and Italy. Also starring: Walter Day & Billy Mitchell (featured in THE KING OF KONG), Nibbler Programmers John Jaugilas & Joe Ulowetz, Joshua Bearman and others.

ATTENTION BATTLESTAR GALACTICA FANS!

We are now offering a limited edition, insanely awesome replica of the Battlestar Galactica Top Gun stein inscribed with a personal message from none other than Starbuck herself! Read more about it in the updates section of our page.

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Actual Poster Size 20" x 30"

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Bring a friend, nibble some popcorn and see the film before anyone else! Attend an exclusive Advanced Screening of MAN VS SNAKE in Los Angeles, New York, or Minneapolis. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

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Mini Nibbler Cabinet Prototype (Diet Coke not included)

Now you can own a classic arcade game without the hassle of having to lug a giant, refrigerator sized cabinet into your living room. This mini Nibbler will look great in your office or sitting on top of your XBOX!

Don Bluth created some amazing concept art while designing the poster for MAN VS SNAKE. Now they can be yours (see our rewards) and check the gallery on our website for more examples: http://manvssnake.com/don-bluth-gallery/ Each piece of art is signed by the artist and will be highly collectible once the film is released!

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"The Cylon War" painting as seen in "Battlestar Galactica"

"The Cylon War" detail

Yes, that's right. We're so committed to finishing this project we're even willing to part with our coveted Cylon War painting signed by members of the cast. This is a high quality giclée reproduction print on canvas made from the original prop. It was hand painted with a clear coat to protect the canvas with matching brush strokes. It is custom framed with the same frame used on the show and has a matching plaque reading "First Cylon War."

Even if you can't donate, we still want you to be part of or project!

Here's how you can help:

Feedback! So far, we've received a lot of great feedback about this project. People are really excited to see the finished film and we can't wait to share it with the world. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how to make this a great movie AND we'd love to hear what you think would help make our campaign even more successful -- tell us what perks you'd like us to offer and the kinds of updates you'd like from us.

Share your creativity! We're looking for creative partners to help us finish this project: animators, artists, designers, illustrators, musicians, etc. Contact us to see how you can help. Feel free send us your Nibbler/MvS fan art and we'll post in it on our MvS Facebook page!

Spread the word! Share this page with your friends and family via Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks. The more you share, tweet, or send smoke signals, the more people know about us and the closer we get to bringing this documentary to a festival, DVD, VOD, or theater near you.

Media! Feel free to recommend our site to blogs, forums, websites, and media outlets such as television and newspapers -- basically, anyone you think might be interested. Exposure is a great way to help us reach our funding goal.

Join us! Be part of the team that helps make MAN VS SNAKE a reality, it's a really fun and inspirational film that we think will be entertaining for gamers and non-gamers alike.

Email us! Contact us at: manvssnake@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our little film!

Risks and challenges

MAN VS SNAKE is still a work in progress, but fortunately, we've already overcome one major challenge: production. Our film is "in the can," which means we have collected all the great material necessary to make an amazing documentary.

The challenge we face now is crafting the best possible story (from the hundreds of hours of footage we've shot) into an 89 minute documentary. Luckily, because we have decades of professional editing experience between us (including over 100 hours of commercial television) we're confident in our ability to deliver a well told story.

If we fall short of our stretch goals, we may need to look for outside investment, find lower cost solutions to our creative needs, or make creative compromises. Although it is not necessary to have popular music and cutting edge animation to absolutely tell our story, reaching our funding goals will go a long way toward adding production value to the documentary and completing our creative vision.

Support this project

Select this reward

Pledge $10 or more
About $10

MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE - Get all of our digital perks! Includes a custom MvS wallpaper for your computer desktop, a thank you on our MvS Facebook page and a "thank you" Tweet on Twitter from @NibblertheSnake. •Plus, we'll email you a special animated MvS GIF!!

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Pledge $25 or more
About $25

MvS MOVIE PACKAGE: DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - A digital download of the finished film once it has been distributed! Throw a Nibbler party! Invite your friends and family over for a private screening of MAN VS SNAKE: THE LONG AND TWISTED TALE OF NIBBLER (Be sure to provide lots of popcorn or other snacks for nibblin') •Plus, the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE.

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Pledge $30 or more
About $30

MvS MOVIE POSTER DESIGNED BY DON BLUTH & SIGNED BY THE FILMMAKERS - Full color movie poster (18" x 24") with artwork designed by Don Bluth (creator/animator of the video games DRAGON'S LAIR and SPACE ACE). This high quality artwork is suitable for framing -- a must for Don Bluth fans and perfect for your game room! •Please note: this is a "stand alone" reward and does not include other rewards.

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Pledge $35 or more
About $35

MvS DELUXE MOVIE PACKAGE: DIGITAL DOWNLOAD and EXTRA FEATURES - We shot hundreds of hours of material, containing some incredible moments and special interviews; since we can't cram it all into the finished film, we're offering an extensive package of special features. Download all of the awesome extra features (which includes even more profanity, but thankfully no nudity) once the film has been distributed. •Plus, you'll receive the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE.

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Pledge $35 or more
About $35

EXCLUSIVE BILLY MITCHELL "PERFECT PAC-MAN" POSTER - Full color movie poster (20" x 30") with 8-bit composite image (using actual Pac-Man sprites) of the legendary Billy Mitchell, video game master of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Add $25 to an existing pledge and receive this reward as well •Please note: this is a "stand alone" reward and does not include other rewards.

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Pledge $55 or more
About $55

MvS MOVIE POSTER SIGNED BY THE FILMMAKERS DESIGNED BY DON BLUTH - A movie poster (18" x 24") with artwork designed by Don Bluth (creator/animator of the video games DRAGON'S LAIR and SPACE ACE). This high quality artwork is suitable for framing and a must for your game room or den! The first 100 backers will receive the MAGFest Nibbler World Championship and Tim McVey Day commemorative posters signed by Tim McVey and Dwayne Richard •Plus, you'll receive the MVS DELUXE MOVIE PACKAGE, the MVS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE and the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE.

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Pledge $77 or more
About $77

MvS DVD PACKAGE - A complete MvS DVD package loaded with extra features and signed by the filmmakers once the film has been distributed! •Plus, you'll receive a MvS POSTER, the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE and the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE.

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Pledge $99 or more
About $99

MvS BLU-RAY PACKAGE - Own MVS in High Definition! You'll receive a BLU-RAY of MvS loaded with extra features and signed by the filmmakers once the film has been distributed. •Plus, you'l receive the HIGH SCORE INITIALS, the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE.

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Pledge $100 or more
About $100

NEW YORK ADVANCED SCREENING - 2 tickets to a preview screening of MAN VS SNAKE in New York with Q & A after! *Does not include other rewards. **Airfare and accommodations not included. ***Screening date TBD.

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Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MINNEAPOLIS ADVANCED SCREENING - 2 tickets to a preview screening of MAN VS SNAKE in Minneapolis with Q & A after! *Does not include other rewards. **Airfare and accommodations not included. ***Screening date TBD.

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Pledge $150 or more
About $150

SPECIAL THANKS IN THE MvS CREDIT ROLL - For your generous contribution, we'll include your full name in our end credits under Special Thanks. •Plus you'll receive the MvS POSTER, your choice of MvS DVD or BLU-RAY (with extra features), the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE.

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Pledge $150 or more
About $150

ATTENTION BATTLESTAR FANS! LIMTED EDITION TOP GUN STEIN WITH PERSONALIZED INSCRIPTION FROM KATEE SACKHOFF (AKA KARA "STARBUCK" THRACE) - This is a beautifully crafted, 1:1 scale replica of the screen-used prop. Constructed of ceramic and metal the trophy stands 9 inches tall and is 4 1/2 inches wide at the base. It lists the pilots who achieved top gun status, including Starbuck and Kat. It even includes the phoenix emblem on the underside of the cast-metal lid. This stein has been tested for food safety and can be used for beverages, so feel free to fill it with delicious Ambrosia and toast your fellow Viper jocks. We recommend hand washing to best maintain its hand-painted finish -- be advised: washing may damage personal inscription. *Please note: this is a "stand alone" reward and does not include other rewards.

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Pledge $225 or more
About $225

CUSTOM BUILT NIBBLER ARCADE CABINET WITH LCD SCREEN!!! Finally, it can be yours! A custom built miniature Nibbler arcade cabinet (1/12 scale) with working LCD screen (powered by USB). It's an awesome addition to your game room or office (not actually playable) •Plus, you'll also receive the MvS POSTER, your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY (both with extra features), SPECIAL THANKS, MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. *Does not include the WALTER DAY MINIATURE.

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Pledge $250 or more
About $250

SPECIAL THANKS ANIMATED CREDIT -- You will get a special animated credit in the film's end credits. •Your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY (with extra features), the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. * Does not include the other CREDITS, the MINI NIBBLER CABINET, or the DON BLUTH SKETCH.

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Pledge $275 or more
About $275

WALTER DAY BOBBLEHEAD - Every gamer needs a referee! Commemorate your game room with a limited edition (signed and numbered) Walter Day bobblehead. Add $20 to your order and we'll upgrade your bobblehead to include an audio chip with a sound bite from Walter Day himslef. •Plus, you'll also receive the MvS POSTER, your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY (both with extra features), SPECIAL THANKS, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE.

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Pledge $350 or more
About $350

DON BLUTH COLOR CONCEPT FOR MvS - This is a hand signed, hand colored concept sketch by Don Bluth on photocopy paper (original sketch not available). Check out the gallery page on our website to see options: http://manvssnake.com/don-bluth-gallery/ AND please check with us prior to making a pledge to confirm availability of your pick. Does not included other rewards.

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Pledge $500 or more
About $500

DON BLUTH ORIGINAL SKETCH & COLOR CONCEPT FOR MvS - This is a hand signed original sketch AND hand colored concept art (on photocopy paper) by Don Bluth. Check out the gallery page on our website to see options: http://manvssnake.com/don-bluth-gallery/ AND please check with us prior to making a pledge to confirm availability of your pick. Does not included other rewards.

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Pledge $600 or more
About $600

DON BLUTH ORIGINAL SKETCH & COLOR CONCEPT OF WALTER DAY FOR MvS - This is a hand signed original sketch on high quality drawing paper AND hand colored concept art (on photocopy paper) by Don Bluth. Check out the gallery page on our website: http://manvssnake.com/don-bluth-gallery/ AND please check with us prior to making a pledge to confirm availability. Does not included other rewards.

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Pledge $750 or more
About $750

SNEAK PEAK / VIP INVITATION TO THE SOUND MIX - Be one of the first to see the nearly finished film. Get a VIP, behind the scenes, sneak peak at the creative process of mixing the soundtrack for MAN VS SNAKE. Spend a day in Los Angeles on the mix stage with filmmakers Tim & Andy as they put the final touches on the audio portion of the documentary. * Airfare and accommodations not included.

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Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

DON BLUTH ORIGINAL SKETCH x 2 FOR MvS POSTER PLUS THE POSTER- Two hand signed original sketches by Don Bluth AND the final poster. Check out the gallery page on our website: http://manvssnake.com/don-bluth-gallery/ AND please check with us prior to making a pledge to confirm availabilityk. Does not included other rewards.

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Pledge $1,750 or more
About $1,750

REMOTE EDIT SESSION WITH TIM & ANDY - Have a project of your own? Let us help you take it to the next level. Receive professional editing tips, advice and/or a critique via Skype or iChat with Tim Kinzy and Andy Seklir, A.C.E. (up to 5 hours). *Does not include other perks.

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Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

DINNER WITH THE ADMIRAL! - Enjoy a group dinner with the filmmakers TIM & ANDY and special guest EDWARD JAMES OLMOS in Los Angeles. •Plus, you'll receive 2 Tickets to the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE, your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY, SPECIAL THANKS in the end credits, the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. * Does not include the WALTER DAY MINIATURE, the MNI NIBBLER CABINET, or the DON BLUTH SKETCH. **Airfare and accommodations not included.

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Pledge $3,000 or more
About $3,000

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT - You'll be listed as an Associate Producer in the film's credits and on IMDB. •Plus, you'll receive 2 tickets to the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE with seating in the VIP section (with the cast and filmmakers), as well as your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY (both include extra features), the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. *Does not include the WALTER DAY MINIATURE, the MINI NIBBLER CABINET or the DON BLUTH SKETCH. **Airfare and accommodations not included.

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Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

CO-PRODUCER CREDIT - You'll be listed as a Co-Producer in the film's credits AND on IMDB. • Plus, you'll receive 2 tickets to the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE with seating in the VIP section (with the cast and filmmakers), as well as your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY, the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. *Does not include the WALTER DAY MINIATURE, the MINI NIBBLER CABINET or the DON BLUTH SKETCH. **Airfare and accommodations not included.

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Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT - You'll be listed as an Executive Producer in the film's credits AND on IMDB. •Plus, you'll receive 2 tickets to the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE with seating in the VIP section (with the cast and filmmakers), as well as your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY, the WALTER DAY MINIATURE, the MINI NIBBLER CABINET, the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. *Does not include the DON BLUTH SKETCH. **Airfare and accommodations not included.

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Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

"THE CYLON WAR" PAINTING FEATURED IN BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - Turn your home office or den into the Admiral's quarters with this unique, framed replica of "The Cylon War" painting. The painting is signed by Edward James Olmos (Admiral Adama), Michael Hogan (Colonel Tigh), Grace Park (Boomer/Athena) and others. This is a high quality, giclée print on canvas made from a high resolution scan of the original and was offered EXCLUSIVELY to cast and crew of the production. The canvas is stretched and framed (with a frame matching the original) and includes a brass plaque with the inscription "First Cylon War." •Plus, you'll receive DINNER FOR 2 WITH THE ADMIRAL and 2 tickets to the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE with seating in the VIP section (with the cast and filmmakers), as well as your choice of DVD or BLU-RAY, the MvS POSTER, the MvS PERSONALIZATION PACKAGE and the MvS DELUXE DIGITAL PACKAGE. *Does not include the WALTER DAY miniature, MINI NIBBLER CABINET, or DON BLUTH SKETCH. **Airfare and accommodations not included. **Please note: shipping is not included, the painting is available for local pickup or can be arranged by the backer in coordination with the filmmakers.